Greg Olsen, one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in NFL history, announced his retirement on Sunday.
Olsen, who spent the 2020 season with the Seahawks, announced the news on FOX prior to Sunday's NFC Championship game, officially bringing to an end a 14-year career with he Bears, Panthers and Seahawks. Olsen also announced that he will be part of FOX's broadcast team next season.
Olsen, a first-round pick by the Bears in 2007, was a three-time Pro-Bowler with the Carolina Panthers, and from 2014-2016 he was the first tight end in league history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Olsen had opportunities to pursue a broadcasting career after the Panthers released him following the 2019 season, but instead signed with Seattle hoping to make one last run at one of the few things missing from his impressive resume, a Super Bowl title.
Olsen's one season with Seattle saw him appear in 11 regular-season games, as well as Seattle's Wild Card loss to the Rams. A plantar fascia injury in November landed Olsen on injured reserve, but he was able to make it back before the end of the season. Olsen caught 24 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown as a Seahawk, and he finishes what could very well be a Hall of Fame career with 742 catches for 8,683 yards and 60 touchdowns.
"To the countless teammates, coaches, and staff members in Chicago, Seattle, and especially Carolina, I thank you," Olsen wrote on Instagram. "You molded and shaped me into the player and person I am today. I'll cherish those personal relationships more than anything else. This career is built on relationships, and in that area I was so fortunate.
"I try to not look back and have regrets. I have so much I am proud of over my career. But as I look back on my career, I have two. I regret never reaching the top of the mountain. I regret walking off the field under the weight of confetti, but realizing our dream came up short.
"My ultimate regret was not being able to enjoy the end with my family. Watching the time tick down, in an empty stadium, knowing it would be my last game. Not having the ability to be surrounded by my loved ones. Not being able to hug them and thank them for a lifetime of love and sacrifice. Life doesn't always go as planned, but it was a great ride."
